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This course explores the medieval evolution of the key conceptual frameworks underlying ancient Greek natural philosophy (what we call ‘science’ today). In particular, we will examine the ways in which this evolution was initially propelled via the translations from Greco-Islamic natural philosophy, the integration of this philosophy with Christian Latin civilization in Western Europe, and the refinement of this integration via the invention of the university in 1088. Central to our investigation will be the specific ways in which this medieval evolution of natural philosophy was foundational to the scientific revolution that followed it—i.e., the often overlooked evolution of ancient and medieval ideas within this revolution.

Within the discipline of history, this course falls within the framework of the history of ideas--a field of research in history that deals with the expression, preservation, and evolution of ideas. The history of ideas is a central component of the discipline of intellectual history. Intellectual history refers to the historiography of ideas and thinkers, and, as practiced by historians, can include the history of philosophy and the history of science.

Intended audience: This course is open to all students. No prerequisites or specialized knowledge is required. For history majors, this course will count towards a European history elective. Other majors, contact your department chair.